Publications by authors named "P Casella"

Gambling risk behaviour is an emerging problem among adolescents. "Unplugged" is an effective Social Influence curriculum for preventing substance use among students. This study aims to develop and test a new component focused on gambling added to the Unplugged program.

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Background: The comprehensive monitoring of licit and illicit drug consumption plays a crucial role in understanding the complexities of patient conditions and designing effective treatment strategies. In this study, the prevalence of psychoactive prescription drugs, classical illicit drugs, and new psychoactive substances (NPS) were objectively assessed in individuals diagnosed with drug-related psychiatric disorders or episodes.

Methods: Blood, urine, and hair samples were collected from psychiatric patients admitted to the Mental Health Department and Drug Addiction Service of the North Rome Local Health Authority with declared or suspected psychoactive drug use.

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Background: Following the development of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Italy, a strict lockdown was imposed from March 9 to May 5, 2020. The risks of self-medication through alcohol or psychoactive substance abuse were increased, as well as the tendency to adopt pathological behaviors, such as gambling and internet addiction.

Aim: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated containment measures on craving in a group of patients suffering from substance use disorder and/or gambling disorder who were in treatment in outpatient units or in residency programs as inpatients.

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Article Synopsis
  • The Italian government implemented strict social distancing and shelter-in-place measures during the COVID-19 pandemic to curb virus transmission.
  • A study surveyed 153 patients with substance use disorders or behavioral addictions to assess the psychological effects of these measures, focusing on symptoms like depression and anxiety.
  • The results indicated moderate levels of psychopathological symptoms, with higher rates observed in residential patients, and suggested a correlation between these symptoms, poor quality of life, and low levels of craving for substances.
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The aim of this study was to develop an effective integrated cultivation system for as a source of bioactive compounds such as astaxanthin, lutein, proteins, and fatty acids (FAs). The Chlorophyta was cultivated in a vertical bubble column photobioreactor (VBC-PBR) under batch mode, allowing switching from green to red phase for astaxanthin induction. The combined effect of light intensity and nutrients on bioactive compound formation was investigated.

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